By Donna,

Praise be to God, we can definitely testify that ‘where God guides, He provides’! With our vision to import and distribute IBibles in Portugal, we really were not sure where to begin or how to go about pioneering this ministry in a country that we have been estranged to for some time now. Interestingly enough, during the past few years, Jorge has rekindled a longstanding friendship with a Christian brother who also had served the Lord as a missionary in South America for many years. After experiencing the blessing of these small audio players, he went out and started speaking about the Bibles in his local community. People were genuinely interested and he has distributed half of the first shipment we brought into the country. (BTW, the first shipment was brought in our suitcases! ) Then we contacted a Chinese friend in a local grocery store and she gave us the contact for a shipping company as regards to further shipments of Bibles into the country. As we walked by faith, God met us each step of the way, and it is the beginning of Wordproject iBible ministry in Portugal!! We are excited about it, and ask you to join us in prayer for the shipping to work out and that we find more distribution venues.

Cristiana and Jason

Jorge’s friends in Lisbon

It was great to catch up with Cristiana in Lisbon and the Soares family in ‘Margem Sul’. We also had a blessed road trip to the center and north of Portugal. The country is home to so much breathtaking nature and European history, not to mention centuries old medieval castles and grandiose churches and cathedrals.   Close friends Abilio and Julieta hosted us during our stay there. This beautiful region of the Douro River was resplendent after a winter replete with rainfall and the grapes were abounding on the vines throughout the valley. It truly is a spectacular sight.

It was the first opportunity for Gloria and Jason to get to their roots and experience the peace of Penacova. We were able to meet with Jorge’s cousin Isabel and her husband, the only remaining close family that we have in Penacova. They were so happy to chat and reminisce over the old days, sharing stories of family and children grown up all too quickly. Jorge walked us thru the streets and alleys of his childhood and recounted the famous stories of the family which I hope will be passed down thru the generations and never be forgotten. How interesting it is to try to retrace the past and keep a piece of it in your heart, in a time when everything is changing so quickly.

Once, again, the clock keeps ticking and the years keep passing. Young Guilherme is now beginning his 29^th year and lovely Gloria is beginning her 19^th. They both celebrated in grand fashion and are happy with all the good looks and good health that God has blessed them both with!

Gloria’s Birthday dinner

Gui and Joana on Gui’s birthday